Business rates

In the car rental business we have what is call corporate or business rate. Often people tell us to give them the business rate or regular rate, whichever is cheaper. Um, corporate rates do not work that way. A business/corporate rate is a contract set up between the business and the car rental company. Rental agents actually renting the cars have nothing to do with this agreement and can not set up any. The rates and provisions agreed upon are done by sales representatives (or sales reps) in the home office and the company (customer). Some companies agree to cover damage to the vehicle while others cover after the company employee pays a certain amount. And still others cover everything and are the quickest rentals.

Government departments also have rates for government employees, official and personal. Sometimes, the government or corporate rate is not cheaper than the regular rate, BUT the insurance is most often covered by the rate. Separating the regular rate and the insurance coverage would most often cost more. Naturally, if the renter does not work for the company or government specified in the reservation, we can not rent to them under that company/government rate. The reason is the included insurance would be voided and no company will pay for damage caused by someone who is not their employee. Does that make sense?

Once the contract is negotiated and signed, it is entered into the system. Only companies with agreements often are the only ones allowed to be directly bill rental contracts. Direct bills must be in the reservation BEFORE the customer picks up the car. And must be done by a travel agent or reservation line operator. We can't just bill a company without their permission. Direct bills do not require any payment from renter unless they take on any extras (like insurance, car seats, fuel option, additional drivers, etc.). The company otherwise is billed for the entire rental. If a car rental agent asks for a credit card along with your driver's license, do not panic. We tend to ask everyone the exact same questions and likely had not gotten far enough into the rental to see it is a direct bill. Just tell the agent it is a direct bill and they most often will not need the credit card. Some car rentals just want the credit card to place in your profile, if you rent without a direct billing in the future and the number is there to use. That's all, no offense intended.
Post later. Genie out.